The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) remains firm on its stance that the proposed N615,000 minimum wage is reasonable, rejecting assertions that certain states would struggle to afford such a figure if implemented. Recent policy changes in Nigeria, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the consolidation of the foreign exchange market, have heightened the cost of living, with inflation soaring to 33.2 percent in March, exacerbating economic challenges.
Negotiations between labor unions and the Federal Government have been ongoing to address these economic difficulties, with discussions revolving around measures like a new minimum wage to alleviate the impact of the harsh economic conditions. The NLC is advocating for a monthly salary of N615,000 for workers, a significant increase from the current N30,000. While some view this proposal as unrealistic, the labor union believes that many states could manage to pay for it if they allocated their resources appropriately.
NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the importance of states prioritizing their spending. He noted that some states previously deemed incapable of paying higher wages still failed to meet their obligations even when funds were provided by the federal government. Ajaero suggested that states should focus on initiatives like mechanized agriculture to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, which could alleviate economic pressures.
Regarding the Federal Government's recent announcement of a pay increase for certain workers on the eve of Labor Day, Ajaero criticized the move, labeling it as "mischievous." He clarified that there was no actual wage increment being announced by the government, dismissing the announcement as misleading.
